Summary

In this conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Matt Barnwell, a seasoned consultant in the hospitality and leisure sector. Matt shares his journey from working in corporate environments to becoming a serial entrepreneur, detailing his experiences in managing various hospitality venues and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of understanding business metrics, the challenges of profitability in the hospitality industry, and the evolution of his consultancy business, Independent Hospitality Solutions. The conversation also touches on the future of his ventures and the valuable insights gained from his experiences.

Takeaways

Matt Barnwell has extensive experience in the hospitality and leisure sector.

He emphasizes the importance of metrics in business management.

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurial ventures can be challenging but rewarding.

Understanding profitability is crucial for success in hospitality.

Consultancy work involves providing actionable insights, not just data analysis.

Developing staff is more beneficial than doing tasks yourself.

Customer feedback should be taken with caution; not all feedback is valuable.

The hospitality industry is currently facing profitability challenges.

Future plans include launching a website and expanding consultancy services.

Learning from past experiences is key to business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matt Barnwell

04:52 From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Ventures

11:29 The Evolution of Business Management Skills

19:02 Lessons from Managing Nightclubs and Bowling Alleys

21:55 The Birth of Independent Hospitality Solutions

23:50 Consultancy in Competitive Socialising

28:48 Understanding Profitability in the Hospitality Sector

34:17 Future Plans and Business Growth

36:04 Advice and Insights from Experience

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Christine Nicholson, a multi-award-winning business mentor and entrepreneur. Christine shares her unique journey, including her unexpected role as a zoo manager, her early influences that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit, and the lessons learned through business acquisitions. The discussion delves into the challenges of business ownership, the impact of ego on identity, and the importance of recognizing the need for change. Christine emphasizes the significance of being prepared for exit and the necessity of delegating responsibilities to ensure business success. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for business owners on how to take the first steps towards effective delegation and personal growth.

Takeaways

Christine's journey includes running a zoo by accident.

Ego can tie a business owner's identity to their business.

Recognizing the need for change is crucial for growth.

Delegation is essential for business success.

Business owners often feel they can't step away from daily operations.

Preparation for exit can enhance business value.

Christine emphasizes the importance of readiness for unexpected changes.

Effective delegation can free up time for strategic thinking.

Business owners should categorize their tasks to identify what to stop doing.

Taking small steps can lead to significant changes over time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christine Nicholson

05:49 The Accidental Zoo Manager

17:51 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

20:18 The Challenges of Business Ownership

30:50 Insights from Christine's New Book

38:46 Practical Steps for Business Owners

Summary

John Barber, a successful business consultant and entrepreneur, shares his journey from the finance sector to property investment. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right agents in the property industry and highlights the challenges involved in property management. John also discusses his role as a visiting coach at the Royal College of Arts, where he mentors startups on business strategies. He attributes his success to ambition, a fear of failure, and a desire to build confidence in himself. John reflects on the changing landscape of the financial market, with companies like Bloomberg and Thompson Financial dominating the industry. In this conversation, John Barber shares his experiences in various industries, including finance, biotech, and the pizza business. He emphasizes the importance of determination and hard work in achieving success. John also discusses the challenges of balancing personal life and business commitments. The conversation highlights the significance of due diligence and the ability to make brave decisions. The best advice John received was to trust his intuition and not be afraid to take risks.

Takeaways

Finding the right agents is crucial in the property industry.

Property management involves various challenges, such as selecting the right properties, dealing with maintenance and insurance, and upgrading properties.

Mentoring startups on business strategies can be rewarding and impactful.

Ambition, a fear of failure, and a desire to build confidence are driving forces for success.

Companies like Bloomberg and Thompson Financial have become dominant players in the financial market. Determination and hard work are essential for achieving success in any industry.

Balancing personal life and business commitments can be challenging for entrepreneurs.

Due diligence is crucial when making business decisions, including investments and acquisitions.

Being brave and trusting your intuition can lead to successful outcomes.

Taking calculated risks is necessary for entrepreneurial success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Barber

01:44 John's Focus on Property Investment

03:23 Challenges and Successes in Property Investment

04:42 John's Role as a Visiting Coach at the Royal College of Arts

06:37 John's Transition from Finance to Sales

08:35 The Importance of Taking Risks and Building Confidence

11:54 John's Rise to Managing Director

15:11 The Evolution of the Finance Sector

18:34 Success in Sales: Understanding Customer Needs and Asking for the Order

23:07 Drive and Ambition: Key Factors in Career Progression

25:16 The Current State of the Finance Sector

28:02 The Drive and Determination of Successful Entrepreneurs

31:07 Identifying Opportunities and Taking Risks

36:55 The Importance of Closing Deals and Getting Results

41:41 The Journey into the Pizza Business

48:01 Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs